“Joey Aguilar ‘Trying to Step In and Be a Leader’ as He Embraces Opportunity to Make His Mark During Time at Tennessee”
Joey Aguilar’s arrival at Tennessee has been met with quiet determination and a clear sense of purpose. The former Appalachian State quarterback didn’t come to Knoxville for flash or headlines—he came for opportunity. As he settles into life on Rocky Top, Aguilar has made it clear that he’s here to contribute, compete, and most importantly, lead. His words—“trying to step in and be a leader”—reflect a mindset that Tennessee fans and coaches alike can appreciate. It’s a mindset rooted in humility, hard work, and a willingness to embrace whatever role the team needs from him. As the Volunteers prepare for another chapter in their SEC journey, Aguilar is positioning himself as a steady voice in the locker room and a seasoned player who can help guide a talented, young roster.
Aguilar’s path to Tennessee is a story of resilience and growth. At Appalachian State, he showcased his abilities as a dynamic passer and composed field general, helping lead the Mountaineers through challenging moments in the Sun Belt. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023, displaying a knack for making plays under pressure and elevating the performance of those around him. When the opportunity arose to transfer to a Power Five program, Aguilar didn’t hesitate. Tennessee represented a fresh challenge, one that would test not only his football acumen but his leadership capabilities as well.
Joining a new program—especially one as historically proud and currently ambitious as Tennessee—requires more than a strong arm or a solid resume. It demands chemistry, trust, and the ability to adapt to new systems and teammates. Aguilar arrived on campus understanding that leadership isn’t something handed to you. It’s something you earn. From day one, he has approached every meeting, every workout, and every practice with that understanding. By showing up early, staying late, and staying locked in mentally, he’s earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike. He’s not trying to take over—he’s trying to fit in, find his voice, and lead by example.
Tennessee’s quarterback room is competitive, full of players with upside and potential. Nico Iamaleava, the five-star talent and presumed face of the future, is clearly the long-term focus for the program. Yet, Aguilar’s presence adds something critical: experience. With two full seasons of starting experience, he offers insights into the grind of being a college quarterback that younger players simply haven’t lived through yet. That matters. Whether he ultimately wins the starting job or not, Aguilar’s influence could be the difference between a quarterback room that thrives and one that falters under pressure. He’s embraced this reality and sees his role as more than just a competitor—it’s as a mentor, teacher, and motivator.
Aguilar’s leadership also extends beyond the practice field. In the locker room and team meetings, he has been deliberate about forming connections with players across position groups. Leadership, after all, is about relationships. Quarterbacks who command the huddle do so not just because of their play-calling ability, but because of their ability to inspire belief. Aguilar is building that belief day by day. He talks to his receivers about route concepts, encourages offensive linemen during drills, and checks in on defensive players to show appreciation for their effort. These moments may not show up on film, but they show up in team culture. Aguilar knows that culture is the bedrock of any successful program, and he wants to be a part of fortifying that foundation at Tennessee.
Coaches have taken notice. Head coach Josh Heupel praised Aguilar’s maturity and approach to competition during offseason press conferences, noting that his preparation and demeanor have been invaluable to the team’s development. While Aguilar may not be the headline name entering fall camp, he’s someone the coaching staff trusts to handle adversity, step in when needed, and keep the offense on track. That’s no small thing in the SEC, where injuries, inconsistency, and chaos can upend even the most talented rosters. Aguilar offers stability, and that makes him a vital asset in a league defined by pressure.
The SEC spotlight is unlike anything Aguilar faced at Appalachian State. The defenses are faster, the stadiums louder, and the stakes higher. But he hasn’t blinked. Instead, he’s used the offseason to immerse himself in film study and Tennessee’s offensive playbook. He understands the importance of mastering the scheme and being a second coach on the field. As Tennessee transitions into a critical season where every game could swing bowl positioning and future recruiting momentum, having a quarterback who knows what he’s doing—even from the sidelines—is an advantage few appreciate until it’s too late.
Aguilar’s commitment to leadership is also a reflection of Tennessee’s broader goals as a program. The Vols aren’t just trying to win games—they’re trying to sustain success. That means fostering a culture where accountability, professionalism, and maturity are expected from everyone, not just starters. Aguilar’s veteran presence helps reinforce that standard. He’s the kind of player who makes younger teammates better just by how he conducts himself. Whether it’s breaking down game film on his own time or staying after practice to throw extra routes with a receiver who needs reps, he’s modeling what it means to care about the team’s success more than personal glory.
The reality of the transfer portal era is that experienced quarterbacks moving into new programs are becoming increasingly common. But not every transfer fits as smoothly into a locker room as Aguilar has at Tennessee. That’s a credit to his self-awareness and emotional intelligence. He hasn’t tried to overshadow Iamaleava or others in the room. Instead, he’s positioned himself as a resource—someone who’s been through the highs and lows of college football and come out stronger. That kind of humility resonates. Players listen when they know you’re invested in the team, not your own brand.
Fans, too, are beginning to recognize what Aguilar brings to the table. While the buzz around Iamaleava will dominate headlines, those who follow the program closely understand the value of depth and leadership, especially at quarterback. Injuries happen. Seasons can shift in an instant. Having someone like Aguilar ready to step in, command the offense, and keep the team moving forward is a luxury most programs envy. Tennessee isn’t just preparing one quarterback to play—they’re building a quarterback room that can withstand whatever the season throws at it.
Aguilar’s leadership extends into the community as well. He’s taken time to meet fans, attend events, and represent the program with class. In an era where NIL and social media often drive headlines, Aguilar’s old-school approach—focused on work ethic, relationships, and humility—feels like a breath of fresh air. He’s not chasing spotlight moments; he’s focused on earning them. That attitude makes him a natural fit for a program steeped in tradition and hungry for sustained excellence.
As fall camp approaches, Aguilar’s role will continue to evolve. Whether he becomes the starter, the trusted backup, or a locker room leader who never takes a snap, his impact on Tennessee’s 2025 season will be felt. Leadership isn’t about playing time—it’s about presence, perspective, and purpose. Aguilar brings all three. He’s helping to set the tone for a team with big aspirations, and he’s doing it in a way that earns respect.
In many ways, Aguilar embodies the kind of player every coach wants in their program: unselfish, driven, and wise beyond his years. He understands the game, respects the grind, and values the people around him. Those qualities can’t be taught—they’re lived. And Aguilar is living them every day in Knoxville. As he continues to grow into his role and leave his mark, Tennessee fans should take comfort in knowing that they’ve got a true leader in the locker room—one who came not to be the loudest voice, but to be the most consistent one. Joey Aguilar may not have started his college career in the SEC, but he’s proving that leadership knows no conference boundaries. His journey at Tennessee is just beginning, but his influence is already taking root, and his example is already setting the standard.
